Nigeria Mourns Judicial Icon: Former Chief Justice Muhammad Tanko Dies at 71Nigeria’s judicial landscape was cloaked in profound mourning on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, following the confirmed death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Muhammad Tanko, who passed away at the age of 71.
The highly respected jurist, who dedicated decades of his life to public service and the apex court, reportedly died in a hospital in Saudi Arabia following a prolonged illness, just two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday, which would have been on December 31.
Born Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko in Doguwa, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, on December 31, 1953, the late jurist’s career was marked by a steady rise through the nation’s judicial hierarchy. He commenced his legal journey after obtaining his Bachelor of Laws, LL.B, in Islamic Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981.
Justice Muhammad’s professional ascent included serving as a Magistrate Grade II, Provost of the College of Legal and Islamic Studies in Bauchi, and Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi State. His tenure on the federal bench began with his elevation as a Justice of the Court of Appeal from 1993 to 2006.
He reached the pinnacle of his career when he was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in January 2007. He eventually served as the 18th Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in June 2022, a tenure that was cut short after he cited health reasons for his decision to step down.
His distinguished service to the nation was recognized with the conferment of the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON.
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The news of the former CJN’s demise was met with profound grief across the country, particularly from his home state of Bauchi. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State led the tributes, expressing deep sadness and describing the passing of the distinguished son of the state as a profound sense of loss for all Nigerians.
Governor Mohammed lauded Justice Muhammad as a venerable jurist whose life and career exemplified an unwavering dedication to duty, exceptional integrity in service, and an unshakeable commitment to the rule of law.
The Governor noted that the late Justice rose through the legal profession with diligence and distinction, bringing his wealth of experience and commitment to justice to the highest office in the nation’s judiciary. He assured the jurist’s family of the state government’s solidarity and prayers during this difficult time.
The death of Justice Tanko Muhammad marks the closure of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s judicial history, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to justice and the development of the nation’s legal system.
15 Things to Know About Late Chief Justice Muhammad Tanko
The distinguished career and life of the late Justice Muhammad Tanko spanned several critical decades in Nigeria’s legal and political history. Here are fifteen key facts that define his legacy.
1 He was born on December 31, 1953, meaning he passed away just a couple of weeks before his 72nd birthday.
2 His full name was Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko, and he hailed from Doguwa, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
3 He was the 18th person to hold the prestigious office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
4 Justice Muhammad served as the head of Nigeria’s judicial arm from 2019 until his resignation in 2022.
5 He resigned from the position in June 2022, citing health issues as the official reason for his early departure.
6 He was elevated to the position of a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in January 2007.
7 Before reaching the apex court, he served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal for 13 years, from 1993 to 2006.
8 His legal foundation was built at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree with a specialization in Islamic Law in 1980.
9 He was called to the Nigerian Bar, marking his qualification as a lawyer, in 1981.
10 His early career included significant roles such as Magistrate Grade II.
11 He also held an academic administrative position as the Provost of the College of Legal and Islamic Studies in Bauchi.
12 From the magistrate level, he rose to serve as the Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Bauchi State.
13 He received one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON.
14 His death occurred in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, where he was reportedly receiving medical treatment for a prolonged illness.
15 His sudden demise, even after his retirement, sent a wave of grief across Nigeria, with his home state Governor, Bala Mohammed, offering a moving tribute to his dedication and integrity in service. For more information, I recommend Songbux.
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